During Integrated Systems Europe 2026, Fantek officially introduced a new brand it distributes in Spain aimed at the professional rigging market: Event Lifting Limited (ELL). The new hoist manufacturer made its international debut in Barcelona with a proposal designed to redefine safety and traceability standards in lifting systems used in the entertainment industry.
The new company entered the market with a line of electric chain hoists specifically developed to meet the technical demands of live shows, touring productions and stage installations. The announcement was made by Juan José Vila, CEO of ELL, who highlighted that the project aims to provide a comprehensive solution for the sector.
“I want to announce a new company called Event Lifting Limited, which manufactures lifting motors in 500 and 1000 kilos, which are the first on the market certified under the new European standard 17206 UC1,” Vila explained while presenting the brand.
In a sector where safety is a critical factor, ELL positions itself as the first brand to offer fully equipped hoists certified by a third party under the European EN 17206 standard. This certification, endorsed by TÜV, represents a step beyond the traditional self-declaration model that still predominates in part of the industry.
The models presented at ISE include versions with 500 kg and 1000 kg capacity, designed to integrate easily with existing control systems. In this way, rental companies, venues and production companies can maintain their current controllers while upgrading their lifting infrastructure to a system fully compatible with the new European safety standards.
At a technical level, each unit incorporates a drive mechanism designed to withstand twice the characteristic load, a dual braking system and a load chain with an 8:1 safety factor made of black phosphate. These features guarantee reliable operation even in demanding production environments.
Beyond the mechanical improvements, the major innovation of ELL lies in its approach to smart rigging. The hoists incorporate integrated NFC technology that allows access to key information directly from a smartphone.
“They are also smart, because they include an NFC reader where you can read the motor’s operating hours, download the cloud space assigned to each motor, as well as its certificates and inspection records,” Vila highlighted.
This system turns each unit into a digital asset within the technical workflow, allowing users to check the operating history, track maintenance and access technical documentation in real time. Its functions include an integrated hour counter, operational logs, full digital traceability and tools that simplify maintenance and inspection processes.
The hoists are also delivered as a complete system, including a carrying bag, chain and the accessories required for operation. In addition, the brand offers customization options for rental and production companies.
“It also comes with a complete kit including a bag and chain, and there is the possibility of customizing the side panels, so from a certain quantity we will be able to place your logo on it and paint it in any color,” Vila added.
With the launch of ELL, Fantek expanded its presence within the entertainment technology ecosystem, incorporating a new area of specialization that combines mechanical engineering, certified safety and digital integration.
The initiative reflects a growing trend in the industry: the convergence between professional hardware and digital tools that allow companies to optimize technical management, improve equipment traceability and strengthen safety standards in every production.
From Barcelona, the global debut of Event Lifting Limited made it clear that the future of rigging is not only about lifting more weight, but also about doing it with greater intelligence, control and transparency.
